Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition

Developer: Owlcat Games
Release: Sep 2nd 2021
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Indie
RPG
Strategy
Addictive
Deep
Complex
Buggy
Overwhelming
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition Poster

" Epic CRPG with extensive mythic customization and rich story, but steep learning curve "

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition Review

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Enhanced Edition is a sprawling, complex CRPG adaptation of the Pathfinder tabletop RPG known for its deep lore, extensive character customization, and challenging combat. Players praise its rich story, engaging companions, and the faithful implementation of Pathfinder mechanics, offering a true tabletop experience in video game form. The game features a mix of real-time with pause and turn-based combat, alongside kingdom and crusade management elements, which add strategic layers.

However, the game's depth and complexity can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers to Pathfinder or CRPGs. The steep learning curve, frequent difficulty spikes, and occasional tedious micromanagement detract from immersion for some players. Technical issues such as bugs, long loading times, and inconsistent voice acting also impact the experience. Despite these flaws, the game remains highly addictive and rewarding for fans of deep RPGs seeking a lengthy, challenging adventure with significant replay value.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the game's deep and engaging storyline with impactful player choices shaping the narrative. The character customization and build diversity are seen as exceptional, allowing for unique and powerful mythic paths. The complex, strategic combat system is lauded for its faithfulness to the tabletop rules and challenge.

Additionally, the soundtrack and voice acting receive commendations, enhancing immersion. The game’s vast scope, including kingdom and crusade management, adds a unique blend of gameplay styles. Overall, the game is considered one of the best CRPGs available, especially for Pathfinder enthusiasts.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's overwhelming complexity and steep learning curve, which can alienate new players. Difficulty spikes are often unpredictable and sometimes unfair, leading to frustration.

Players also highlight tedious micromanagement, especially regarding buffs and inventory clutter. Technical issues such as bugs, long loading screens, and incomplete voice acting detract from the experience. Some find the pacing uneven, with filler quests and slow segments breaking immersion. The companion characters, while generally well-received, are sometimes viewed as less compelling compared to the main story. Lastly, the interface and controls, especially on certain platforms, can be clunky and unintuitive.

Pros

  • Extensive character customization with diverse mythic paths offers unique gameplay experiences.
  • Rich, branching storyline with impactful player choices enhances roleplaying depth.
  • Faithful adaptation of Pathfinder tabletop mechanics provides strategic, challenging combat.
  • Engaging companions with distinct personalities and story integration.
  • High replay value due to multiple endings and build options.
  • Blend of CRPG, strategy, and kingdom management adds gameplay variety.
  • Excellent soundtrack and solid voice acting improve immersion.

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and overwhelming complexity for newcomers to Pathfinder or CRPGs.
  • Difficulty spikes can feel unfair and unpredictable, causing frustration.
  • Tedious micromanagement of buffs and inventory disrupts gameplay flow.
  • Technical issues include bugs, long loading times, and incomplete voice acting.
  • Pacing suffers due to filler quests and slow segments between main story beats.
  • Interface and controls can be clunky, especially on handheld devices.
  • Companion characters sometimes lack depth compared to the main protagonist.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Embark on a journey to a realm overrun by demons in a new epic RPG from the creators of the critically acclaimed Pathfinder: Kingmaker. Explore the nature of good and evil, learn the true cost of power, and rise as a Mythic Hero capable of deeds beyond mortal expectations.

Release Date Sep 2nd 2021
Publisher META Publishing, Owlcat Games
Developer Owlcat Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (16,584)
83% Positive 17% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
83